Many customers ask us which of our shirting fabrics “hold starch the most”. I tend to answer this question with a question. “Why exactly do you want or need to starch your dress shirt?” The most important thing to remember is that the regular use of starch drastically reduces the lifespan of your shirts. So, is it worth it?

If you feel you must starch the body and sleeves of the shirt for wrinkling, chances are the fabric quality and thread count is quite low. If you feel that the cuff and collar are in need of being pressed, perhaps the interfacing (also known as fusing) is the culprit. A higher quality fusing can quickly resolve this. Read here about our high quality German interfacing.

My advice to these customers is to buy a high thread count quality dress shirt and insist in having a reinforced collar and cuff. We have some great options in our Deluxe and Luxury fabric lines. The higher the thread count, the less wrinkling. If you do, however choose to continue with starching your shirts, try a light starch or do it less often.

Planning a wedding? The bride usually gets most of the attention and let me be clear, we shall NOT take away from her for even a moment. However, if you want to stay up to date in your Spring or Summer formalwear, I can recommend one specific thing: color.

Whether it is the tux itself or the tuxedo shirt, try a touch of color. This Spring you may want to shoot for a pastel colored suit or tuxedo.

If the brides dress is off the rails stunning you can afford to get a little crazy with a custom tuxedo shirt in a wild print (only with her approval, of course).

If you are a man, nothing says Spring like a chambray shirt on your back. Women dig them and luckily, the fabric feels great on your skin. It is light, breathable, and the casual wrinkling makes the natural fibers obvious.

Contrary to popular belief, it can be dressed up a notch. Add a light colored suit and pocket square but leave off the tie.

Chambray pairs well with a linen coat or suit.

Create a different look by ordering custom with us and specifying white stitching along the collar, cuff, and or placket.

A classic print that never goes out of style, the polka dot is back with a vengeance this Spring and Summer 2016 in menswear. We have all noticed that the patterned suit is currently a big hit which means there are so many great ways to wear this style.

Let’s start with the least investment: The pocket square. With something so small, you can add a bolder print like this. Don’t overload the eye with lots of bold prints. This good fellow kept the rest of the look solid.

Or try a small scarf this Spring. Men can wear scarves year round. Going into the warmer months, choose a smaller one like this that just adds a hint of style.

Of course there is the polka dot tie. Perhaps you already own this wardrobe staple.

Looking for more of a statement than the accessories? Try a bold polka dot shirt. We love this burgundy toned variation.

Feeling like going all in? Try your printed suit in the dapper dot.

A great reason to invest a little or a lot in this small print trend is that you can wear it from not until eternity. Dress Well! Be Well!

Let’s be honest, we have all gotten a tad lazy when it comes to dressing for “Casual Friday”. I think we should revisit some rules in the office. After much thought on the subject, these are my 3 updated ideas on Casual Friday.

1. Let’s just not wear jeans.

Unless you work in a “Creative” field, I don’t think jeans are meant for the office. Just throw on a pair of chinos instead. They are pretty casual.

2. Perhaps ONLY lose the tie.

Wear your favorite suit and a crisp white dress shirt. It’s pretty nice to not have to deal with that knot in the a.m. Enjoy that.

3. Use layers in a creative way. A nice pair of slacks, a collared shirt and wool sweater will do. If going this route, add the tie back in the mix.

We often hear that a man with a round face should avoid an extreme wide spread collar but were you aware that every face shape has a style it should avoid like the plague? Here are a list by collar style of those who should run in the other direction.

Button Down Collar

Who should just “not even”? Any guy looking to climb the corporate ladder. If you want to move up at the office, choose a stiff collar and avoid the button down… And dress like a grown man.

Traditional Point Collar

Is there someone who shouldn’t wear a traditional collar? Well, not exactly. I would say if you are a more fashion forward minded man, you should opt for a wide spread collar instead. Otherwise, it’s pretty much a go for everyone.

Narrow Point Collar

Who should avoid it? Anyone who doesn’t like the Goodfellas look. If you are man interested in looking like Ray Liotta make sure you don’t have a long and or lean face. It will accentuate the length of the face and even shorten the beholders view of your neck.

Round or Club Collar

Who shall not? A man with a round or full face or anyone with a barrel chest. This will make either seem even wider. I also think very tall men with a tiny club collar seems odd. Make sure that the collar length fits your height.